Critical thinking

This course, which is compulsory for all first-year students, will introduce the basics of epistemology and the scientific method, as well as the tools needed to analyze controversies surrounding science and alternative approaches. It will address the scientific investigation of phenomena considered paranormal, pseudosciences, pseudo-medicines, psychological abuses, sectarian alienation, etc., in order to make students aware of our cognitive biases and the rhetorical manipulations that can use them to convince or deceive. The ultimate goal of this course is to ensure that everyone can make informed choices, knows how to search for and sort information, and can protect themselves from techniques of influence and manipulation.

This course will be based on lectures and viewing various resources available on the internet. Students will be required to complete an entire course on Moodle and in class, which will then be assessed by a multiple-choice questionnaire.

- Understand the process of knowledge construction in different disciplines (hypotheses, experimental results, controversial findings, mathematical theorems, scientific facts, theories, paradigms)

- Know the basics of the history of science and epistemology

- Be able to develop a logical argument with a critical mind (limitations, comparison with the literature, defense of a point of view)

- Know how to search for information critically (particularly online), prioritize information sources, and identify their reliability.

 

 

Written (coefficient 0.8) and continuous assessment (coefficient 0.2)

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 15

            TD: 0

            TP: 0

            Land: 0